Private Prescriptions

What is a private prescription?

A private prescription is a medical prescription which is not supplied by the NHS. This could be from a private GP, clinician, dentist, or veterinary prescription for an animal. A patient will usually have to pay for the dispensing of the medication and the full cost of the medication.

You can get a private prescription by visiting a relevant healthcare provider. Following a consultation, they may issue you with a paper prescription that can be presented in any pharmacy.

There are also some healthcare providers who offer an online consultation and, if appropriate, may issue an electronic private prescription. Boots can receive and process electronic private prescriptions from certain select online providers, but not all. You should check with your provider to see if they work with Boots and for advice on how to get your prescription dispensed, you can present your prescription at your preferred Boots pharmacy with the prescription authorisation code from your provider.

You may also be able to get a private prescription for specific conditions or situations through an online doctor service, such as Boots Online Doctor**.

Already got a private prescription?


Visit any of our pharmacies to get your medication dispensed.


Just bring your private paper prescription to your nearest Boots pharmacy.

Haven’t got a private prescription yet?


Depending on your healthcare needs you could consider a private healthcare provider. Boots Online Doctor service** provides a number of services, which include treatment for specific conditions or situations, without needing to see a doctor in person, and with free home delivery or for you to collect in store.

If you would like to obtain a private paper prescription in person, you can do this by visiting a private GP surgery, dentist or veterinary practice. Once you have obtained a private prescription, you can visit any Boots pharmacy to get your medication dispensed*.

The cost of your private prescription will vary depending on the medication you’ve been prescribed and the dispensing fee charged. When you take your private prescription to a Boots pharmacy, a member of the pharmacy team will confirm the price of your prescription with you, before they dispense it.

* Subject to stock availability

** Access to prescription-only treatment is subject to an online consultation with a clinician to assess suitability. Subject to availability. Charges apply.